We have been hard at work over the past couple of weeks, refining the experience and are ready to take the wraps off the brand new WineCollective website.

A few small changes since we last chatted:

1) Shipping is now inclusive in all packages. We know how much it sucks to be surprised by unexpected charges during the checkout process and we said, “Be gone with them”. Now, packages start at $42.50, which is a tremendous deal (actually cheaper than we had originally planned). During the month of March, free shipping will be offered, so be sure to sign up and tell your friends because this offer is only good until the 31st.

2) We have built a loyalty points system into the WineCollective, that rewards you for being a member. We will also be rewarding you further if you contribute your ideas, thoughts (commenting on the blog) and when you refer friends.

If you have any questions during your experience, please feel free to email us at cellar@winecollective.ca or give us a call as we would love to hear your from you.

Launch Party

Clear your calendars folks. As promised (and trust us, this is one of our favourite parts), we are going to be throwing a launch party later this month. We'll keep you posted on the details. Lastly, something to think about, for the member who has the most points and decides to come, there may be a special thank you waiting!

I was stoked to represent WineCollective.ca at the California Wine Fair on March 4th at Hotel Arts here in Calgary. We were accompanied by our good pals from Cork Fine Wine, Liquor and Ale and we got to try several outstanding wines from such producers as Darioush, Stag's Leap, Heitz, Signorello, Cuvaison. We are very excited to be able to source some of these wines for WineCollective. I also discovered a producer by the name of Fortress Vineyards that have some stunning wines….look for them at your next market visit.

If you get a chance to go to a show like this and like wine, do it. It is worth it to be able to try some amazing wines that you might not normally try.

We have been working hard in anticipation of the launch of WineCollective.ca on March 10th, 2009, which means first packages shipping in April. WOO HOO! We plan on having four distinct packages starting at $42.50 (including shipping) and we hope you are as excited as we are about the launch. As a gift to early adopters, we are offering free shipping for the first month! Take advantage of this special offer and tell your friends, as it expires March 31st, 2009.

Showcased at Calgary Demo Camp

The founders of WineCollective.ca David Gluzman and Adrian Bryksa had a chance to demo and talk about the concept of the WineCollective.ca with a large group of Calgary's tech enthusiasts at Seven Resto-Lounge in downtown Calgary on February 24th. We received amazing feedback, great suggestions for new and exciting features and tons of support. WineCollective.ca also wants to thank the Democamp organizers for allowing us to demo and for their support. If you didn't have the chance to see us in person, check out some coverage of DemoCamp#13 on YouTube.

Cork Wine and Spirits and Reading For New Times as partners

We're thrilled to announce retail and media partnerships with Cork Wine and Spirits along with Reading for New Times magazine. Cork Wine and Spirits is one of Calgary's, newest and hottest wine retailers, and the WineCollective is super pumped to be working with them. If you get the chance stop by their store, say hi to Chris and Joe and tell them you are from the WineCollective.

While you are patiently waiting for the March 10th launch, check out some wines that Adrian has been reviewing over on Reading For New Times. These reviews will give you an idea of the types of wines which you can expect to see as a member of the WineCollective.

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES PURCHASED FROM WINECOLLECTIVE ARE SOLD IN ALBERTA AND TITLE PASSES TO THE BUYER IN ALBERTA. WineCollective makes no representation to the legal rights of anyone to import alcoholic beverages into any province outside of Alberta. It is solely the buyer who is responsible for the shipment or importation of alcoholic beverage products. By placing an order the buyer authorizes WineCollective to engage, on the buyer's behalf, a common carrier such as Canada Post to deliver the buyer’s order.